SCAR REVISION
Specialist surgical and non-surgical procedures to reduce scar visibility, correct skin deformity, and restore skin that blends naturally with the surrounding tone and texture.
ABOUT THIS PROCEDURE
Scars are a natural part of how skin heals, but not every scar heals well. Some become thick, raised, pigmented, or tethered to the tissue beneath. Others cause discomfort, restrict movement, or simply affect the way a person feels about their appearance. Scar revision and treatment exist to address all of these outcomes.
The range of approaches is broad: from surgical excision and flap techniques that remove and reposition scar tissue, to non-surgical treatments including steroid injections, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and fat transfer to restore volume beneath depressed or tethered scars. The right approach depends entirely on the type, age, size and location of the scar, and on what the patient wants to achieve.
It is important to understand that no procedure can remove a scar entirely. The right treatment, planned at the right time, can often make a scar less noticeable, smoother and flatter. For many patients, that improvement matters a great deal.
IDENTIFYING YOUR SCAR
Scar type determines the treatment approach, and no two are managed the same way.
RAISED SCARS
Thickened, raised scars that form when the skin produces excess collagen during healing. Hypertrophic scars stay within the original wound boundary and may improve over time. Keloid scars extend beyond it and can continue to grow, so they need a combination approach to treat and prevent recurrence.
CONTRACTURE SCARS
Scars that tighten and pull the skin inward, often following burns, skin loss, or injury across a joint. Contracture scars can restrict movement as well as affecting appearance. Treatment focuses on releasing the tension and restoring both function and a more natural skin surface.
FLAT & ATROPHIC
Depressed or sunken scars that sit below the surrounding skin surface, often resulting from surgical incisions, acne, or tissue loss from injury. These respond well to fat transfer, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, or surgical revision to improve surface texture and restore a more even skin profile.
PROCEDURE AT A GLANCE
Parameters vary by technique. Your surgeon will confirm details at consultation.
Procedure Time
Anaesthesia
Hospital Stay
First Follow-up
Return to Exercise
The exact surgical approach is determined at consultation, based on your individual anatomy and goals.
RECOVERY TIMELINE
Days 1–2
Scar revision is performed as a day case, and you go home the same day. Some tenderness, swelling and redness around the treated area is normal. Most patients return to light work and gentle daily activity within 1–2 days.
Days 2–3
You are seen at your first follow-up within 2–3 days of the procedure. The treated area is assessed, sutures or dressings are checked, and any early concerns are addressed. Aftercare advice is confirmed at this appointment.
Weeks 1–2
The treated area continues to heal. Any sutures are removed at the appropriate stage. Redness and mild swelling reduce progressively. Scar management products or silicone sheeting may be recommended to support the healing process.
Weeks 3–4
Most patients can return to strenuous exercise and full physical activity from 3–4 weeks post-procedure. The final scar result continues to improve over 12–18 months as the treated tissue matures and softens.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The degree of improvement varies by scar type, technique used, and individual healing. Most patients experience meaningful improvements across several areas:
WHY SCAR REVISION
Different scar types respond to different treatments. Your revision plan is built around your specific scar rather than a generic protocol, combining surgical and non-surgical techniques where needed.
Many scars respond well to non-surgical approaches including steroid injections, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and silicone therapy, without the need for any surgical incision or downtime.
With no overnight hospital stay and a return to light activity within days, scar revision fits around your life. It is one of the most accessible cosmetic procedures available in terms of recovery time.
Scar revision outcomes improve progressively over months. Unlike some procedures where the result is immediate, a revised scar typically takes 12–18 months to settle, and can keep improving after that.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TREATMENT
Surgical revision is most appropriate for scars that are wide, misaligned, thickened, or positioned in a way that non-surgical treatment cannot adequately address. It involves excision of the existing scar and careful re-closure using techniques such as Z-plasty or W-plasty to redirect the scar along natural skin tension lines and achieve a far more aesthetically acceptable result.
Non-surgical treatments are often the first line of management for raised, pigmented or textured scars. Steroid injections, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and fat transfer can all improve a scar without any incision, and are often used alongside surgery.
Available Treatments
PATIENCE PAYS OFF
Most scars should be allowed to mature for a minimum of 12 months before surgical revision is considered. During the first year, a scar goes through significant natural changes. It typically softens, flattens and fades considerably on its own. Intervening before this process is complete risks operating on tissue that may have continued to improve, and can produce a less predictable result.
The exception is when a scar is causing functional impairment: restricting movement, distorting surrounding tissue, or affecting daily life in a meaningful way. In these cases, earlier intervention may be warranted. Some non-surgical treatments, such as steroid injections for keloid or hypertrophic scars, can also be initiated before the 12-month mark.
IS THIS FOR YOU?
Scar revision is suitable for a wide range of patients. You may be a good candidate if you:
EXPLORE FURTHER
Other skin procedures available with Prof. Hindocha.
SKIN
Surgical removal and reconstruction for skin cancer, from diagnosis to recovery.
SKIN
Surgical and non-surgical options for tattoo removal and skin restoration.
Verified patient reviews
Independently published reviews from patients of Prof. Hindocha, quoted in full and exactly as written. Every one links back to its source.
★★★★★
After years of being unhappy with my breasts after breastfeeding, I'm so glad I trusted my instincts and waited until I found the right surgeon. From my first consultation, Professor Hindocha made me feel completely at ease and I knew I could trust him. I'm only a week post-op and already love my results. I feel incredibly lucky to have found him and truly believe I found the best surgeon.
K.N.
Breast surgery patient
★★★★★
Amazing experience and surgeon. So incredibly thorough, precise and professional. Went above and beyond to explain every last detail to me, he put me at ease, didn't mind a family member being there, very down to earth, can't praise him enough. Would only use this surgeon now.
L.O.
Consultation and surgery
★★★★★
I cannot recommend prof Hindocha enough, from consultation to aftercare he has amazing as have his team. Very professional , I felt very reassured through every step of the process. Thank you Prof Hindocha and team for your kind and professional care.
D.T.
Consultation to aftercare
Read all verified patient reviews
Patient stories describe individual experiences. Results vary from person to person, and the risks, limitations and likely outcome of any procedure are discussed with you at consultation.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
A private consultation with no obligation.
The right treatment for a scar depends on understanding its type, history, and behaviour. A consultation with Prof. Hindocha gives you a clear, honest assessment of what can be achieved and a personalised plan to get there.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Honest answers to what patients ask us most.
